The class uses limited signature reduction within a carrier-group escort design. Radar returns, electronic emissions, and flight activity make complete concealment unrealistic for the formation as a whole. The escort must survive after an opponent locates the group, especially when a heavy attack arrives. Removing exposed guns could reduce the ship's radar return, but it would surrender defensive firepower at the moment those weapons are most useful. The design spends weight and money on the fight expected after detection.
Notable Point · 6:40-9:32
Task-group escort design prioritizes usable firepower
A carrier escort gains more from usable defensive firepower than from expensive signature reductions once an opponent locates the task group.